Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic?

If you are a dog lover, you might have wondered about the best breed for you. You might have considered the size, temperament, personality, and appearance of different dogs. But have you ever thought about the allergy factor? Are some dogs more likely to cause allergic reactions than others? And are Yorkshire Terrier hypoallergenic?

Yes, Yorkies are hypoallergenic. This means that they are less likely to trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to pet dander, saliva, or urine. Yorkies have a unique coat that sheds less than other breeds, and they produce less allergens than other dogs. However, this does not mean that Yorkies are completely allergy-free. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, and some people may still experience mild to severe symptoms when exposed to Yorkies.

So, how can you tell if you are allergic to Yorkies, and what can you do to reduce the risk of allergic reactions? In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Yorkshire Retriever and allergies.

Hypoallergenic: What Does It Mean?

If you are looking for a dog that is less likely to cause allergies, you might have come across the term hypoallergenic. But what does it really mean? And how does it apply to Yorkies?

Explaining Hypoallergenic

The word hypoallergenic comes from two Greek words: hypo, meaning “below” or “less”, and allergen, meaning “something that causes an allergic reaction”. So, hypoallergenic means “less likely to cause an allergic reaction”. However, this does not mean that something that is hypoallergenic is completely free of allergens. It just means that it has fewer allergens than something that is not hypoallergenic.

Hypoallergenic means “less likely to cause an allergic reaction”.

Pet Allergy Causes

When it comes to pet allergies, the main culprit is not the hair or fur of the animal, but the proteins that are found in their saliva, urine, and skin flakes (also known as dander). These proteins can trigger an immune response in some people, causing them to produce antibodies that fight off the perceived threat. The antibodies then release chemicals called histamines, which cause inflammation and irritation in the body.

Pet allergies are caused by proteins in saliva, urine, and dander.

Pet Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of pet allergies can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the reaction and the exposure to the allergen. Some common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Asthma
• Hives
• Eczema
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention)

Pet allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Yorkies: Why Are They Hypoallergenic?

You might have heard that Yorkies are hypoallergenic, meaning that they are less likely to cause allergies than other dogs. But what makes them so special? How do they differ from other breeds in terms of their coat, shedding, and allergen production?

Hair vs Fur: What’s the Difference?

One of the main reasons why Yorkies are hypoallergenic is because they have hair, not fur. But what’s the difference between hair and fur? Aren’t they the same thing? Well, not exactly. Hair and fur are both made of keratin, a protein that also forms nails, horns, and feathers. But hair and fur have different characteristics, such as:

• Length: Hair can grow longer than fur, which has a limited length.
• Texture: Hair can be straight, wavy, or curly, while fur is usually straight or wavy.
• Growth: Hair grows continuously, while fur grows in cycles of growth and rest.
• Color: Hair can have multiple colors, while fur usually has one or two colors.

Yorkies have hair, not fur.

Yorkies’ Shedding Pattern

Another reason why Yorkies are hypoallergenic is because they shed less than other dogs. This is because they have a different shedding pattern, which is influenced by their hair growth. As we mentioned before, hair grows continuously, while fur grows in cycles. This means that hair does not fall out as easily as fur, which has a predetermined length and time of growth.

However, this does not mean that Yorkies do not shed at all. These dogs do shed, but very little and very slowly. They only lose hair when it is damaged, broken, or pulled out by brushing or grooming. This means that Yorkies do not leave much hair around the house, on the furniture, or on your clothes.

Yorkies shed less than other dogs.

Single Coat Benefits

The third reason why Yorkies are hypoallergenic is because they have a single coat, not a double coat. A single coat means that they only have one layer of hair, while a double coat means that they have two layers of hair: an undercoat and an overcoat. The undercoat is soft, dense, and fluffy, while the overcoat is coarse, thick, and protective. Most dogs have a double coat, which helps them regulate their body temperature and protect them from the weather.

But a double coat also produces more allergens, such as dander, saliva, and urine. A single coat, on the other hand, produces less allergens, because it has less hair and less surface area. This means that Yorkies have less allergens to spread around, and less allergens to trigger allergic reactions.

Yorkies have a single coat, not a double coat.

Reducing Allergens from Yorkies

Even though Yorkies are hypoallergenic, they still produce some allergens that can cause discomfort to some people. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the amount of allergens from Yorkies, and make your life easier if you have a Yorkie or plan to get one.

Grooming Tips for Yorkies

One of the most important ways to reduce allergens from Yorkies is to groom them regularly. Grooming helps to remove dead hair, dirt, and dander from their coat, and also prevents mats and tangles that can trap allergens. Grooming also helps to keep their skin healthy and moisturized, which reduces the risk of dryness and irritation that can cause more dander. Here are some grooming tips for Yorkies:

• Brush their hair daily with a soft-bristled brush or a comb, starting from the head and working your way down to the tail. This will help to distribute the natural oils in their hair, and remove any loose hair and debris.
• Trim their hair every 4 to 6 weeks, or as needed, depending on the length and style you prefer. You can either take them to a professional groomer, or do it yourself with scissors and clippers. Make sure to trim the hair around their eyes, ears, mouth, and paws, to avoid infections and injuries.
• Bathe them once a month, or as needed, using a mild shampoo and conditioner that are specially formulated for dogs. Avoid using human products, as they can be too harsh and drying for their skin. Rinse them thoroughly, and dry them with a towel or a hair dryer on a low setting. Avoid bathing them too often, as this can strip their natural oils and cause dryness and irritation.
• Clean their ears once a week, or as needed, using a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with a dog ear cleaner. Gently wipe the inside of their ears, and avoid inserting anything into their ear canal. Check for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or odor, and consult your vet if you notice any.
• Brush their teeth at least twice a week, or as needed, using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. This will help to prevent plaque, tartar, and bad breath, and also reduce the risk of oral diseases and infections. You can also give them dental chews or toys that are designed to clean their teeth and gums.

Grooming helps to remove dead hair, dirt, and dander from their coat.

Nutrition & Supplements for Yorkies

Another way to reduce allergens from Yorkies is to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet, and supplement it with some vitamins and minerals that can boost their immune system and skin health. A good diet can help to prevent allergies, infections, and inflammation, and also improve their coat quality and appearance.

Feed them a high-quality dog food

Look for a dog food that has a high percentage of protein, preferably from animal sources, and a low percentage of carbohydrates, preferably from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid dog foods that have artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers, as they can cause allergies and digestive problems.

Multivitamins and mineral supplements

This will help to fill any nutritional gaps in their diet, and provide them with essential nutrients that can support their immune system and skin health. Look for a supplement that has vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, and omega-3 fatty acids, among others. Follow the dosage instructions on the label, and consult your vet if you have any questions or concerns.

Provide them with fresh water at all times

Water is vital for their hydration, digestion, and metabolism, and also helps to flush out toxins and allergens from your Yorkie's body. Avoid giving them milk, coffee, tea, alcohol, or any other beverages, as they can cause allergies, dehydration, and intoxication.

A good diet can help to prevent allergies, infections, and inflammation.

Cleaning & Vacuuming Advice

Finally, you can also reduce allergens from Yorkies by cleaning and vacuuming your home regularly, and creating a comfortable and hygienic environment for your dog and yourself. Cleaning and vacuuming can help to remove any hair, dander, dust, pollen, and other allergens that may accumulate in your home, and also prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria that can cause allergies and infections. Here are some cleaning and vacuuming advice for Yorkies:

• Vacuum your floors, carpets, rugs, furniture, curtains, and bedding at least once a week, or more often if you have a lot of hair and dander in your home. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter, which can trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, and reduce the amount of allergens in the air. Empty the vacuum bag or canister frequently, and dispose of it properly.
• Wash your bedding, pillows, blankets, and towels at least once a week, or more often if you have a lot of hair and dander in your home. Use hot water and a mild detergent that are suitable for your fabrics, and avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or dryer sheets, as they can cause allergies and irritation. Dry them thoroughly, and store them in a clean and dry place.
• Wipe your surfaces, such as tables, countertops, shelves, and cabinets, at least once a week, or more often if you have a lot of dust and pollen in your home. Use a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth, and a mild cleaner that are safe for your materials, and avoid using ammonia, chlorine, or any other harsh chemicals, as they can cause allergies and damage. Rinse and wring the cloth frequently, and dispose of it properly.
• Keep your windows and doors closed, especially during the peak allergy seasons, such as spring and fall, when the pollen count is high. This will help to prevent the entry of pollen and other allergens into your home, and also reduce the exposure of your Yorkie to them. If you need to open your windows or doors, use screens or filters that can block the allergens, and clean them regularly.

Cleaning and vacuuming can help to remove any hair, dander, dust, pollen, and other allergens from your home.

Conclusion

We hope that you have learned a lot from this article, and that you have found the answers to your questions. In this article, we have covered the following topics:

• What does hypoallergenic mean, and what are the causes and symptoms of pet allergies?
• Why are Yorkies considered hypoallergenic, and what makes them different from other dogs in terms of their coat, shedding, and allergen production?
• How to reduce allergens from Yorkies, and what are the best grooming, nutrition, and cleaning tips for them?

Whether you have a Yorkie, or plan to get one, or just love dogs in general, we hope that this article has helped you understand them better, and enjoy their company more.

Thanks for reading! If you have any comments, questions, or feedback, please feel free to share them in the comment section below!